Government scraps rental deposit protection fee

A £21 protection fee for deposits will no longer need to be paid from November

Islanders will no longer have to pay a protection fee when putting money into a states rental deposit scheme from November.

Currently tenants have to pay a £21 fee when lodging their deposit in the scheme run by mydeposits Jersey.

Landlords and letting agents are legally required to protect deposits by putting them in the scheme within 30 days.

Deputy David Warr, Housing Minister, said it was important the protection was "free", and the scheme was "easy to use".

He said: "I believe the removal of the fee, however small, will contribute positively towards the cost of renting in the island.

"The scheme is in place to safeguard deposits for the length of a tenancy."

Mr Warr said the scheme provided "landlords and tenants with a means to manage deposit money, and to address, where necessary, disputes over the return of deposits".

The government advised tenants concerned about protection to speak to Citizens Advice or the Environmental and Consumer Protection Housing and Nuisance team.

Claire Mulcahy, Citizens Advice Jersey CEO, said the charity would continue to support the scheme, and "assist landlords and tenants alike with invaluable advice on all matters pertaining to the scheme".